Obedience or Sacrifice
Read Matthew 12:1-8
Emphasis is on Vs. 7 (ERV)
“But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.”
1 Samuel 15:22 ERV
“But Samuel answered, “Which pleases the Lord more: burnt offerings and sacrifices or obeying his commands? It is better to obey the Lord than to offer sacrifices to him. It is better to listen to him than to offer the fat from rams.”
Hosea 6:6 NLT
“I want you to show love,
not offer sacrifices.
I want you to know me
more than I want burnt offerings.”
God desires obedience and knowledge of Him over any sacrifice. Have you been caught up doing many good works, keeping up with religious traditions, rules, and regulations? Are you great at sacrificing to God but found wanting in obedience to and knowledge of Him?
1. Sacrifice
2. Obedience
3. Knowledge
What is the main difference?
- Sacrifice can be done by anyone and does not require spiritual strength to do it.
- Obedience requires the help of the Holy Spirit, not human strength.
- Knowledge of God is only by the Holy Spirit, not human research.
What does this mean? This means that God never created man to please him without His Spirit. God created man to be one with Him.
The life of any true child of God is a Holy Spirit-led life.
Romans 8:12-14
“Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.”
May we drop the sacrifice and concentrate on only one thing: being led by the Holy Spirit. Yield to Him, and He will teach you and equip you with all you need to please God. Obedience and knowledge of Him. The sacrifices result from Obedience, i.e., deep love for God and true Knowledge of Him. That is the only time the sacrifice will be a sweet-smelling aroma when it is done as a result, not as a means.
Obedience to God + Knowledge of God = Sacrifice for God
In Christ’s love
Gift Zawadi Love